8 morning habits that successful people always practice

There’s something intriguing about the morning rituals of successful people. I’ve always been fascinated by how these simple habits can set the tone for the rest of the day.

As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a keen observer of mindfulness and Buddhism practices, I’ve come to realize that success isn’t an overnight phenomenon. It’s the result of consistent actions and habits practiced every morning.

In this article, I’m going to share with you eight morning practices that successful people swear by. These are not complex secrets, but simple, everyday habits that can make a huge difference in your life.

Success isn’t about getting lucky. It’s about making smart choices, starting with how you kick off each day. So let’s dive into these empowering morning rituals together.

1) They rise early

Successful people understand the importance of an early start. It’s a common trait that you’ll find in many high-achievers – they are early risers.

Now, I’m not saying you need to wake up at the crack of dawn. The key is to get up earlier than you need to. This gives you a head start on the day, a quiet moment before the world wakes up.

As someone who’s steeped in mindfulness and Buddhism practices, I believe that these quiet morning hours can offer a profound sense of calm and clarity. It’s an opportunity to set your intentions for the day, without any distractions.

Remember, it’s not about how early you wake up, it’s about what you do with that extra time. Whether it’s meditating, reading, exercising or planning your day – use this time wisely.

This small shift in your morning routine can make a big difference in your overall productivity and success.

Challenge yourself to become an early riser, and see how it transforms your day.

2) They meditate

I can’t stress enough the power of meditation. It has been a crucial part of my own morning routine. As someone versed in mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve found that mediation provides a calmness that seeps into the rest of my day.

It’s not just me. Many successful people, from CEOs to athletes, practice meditation regularly. They understand its transformative power to clear the mind and reduce stress.

As the influential Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, once said, “Meditation can help us embrace our worries, our fear, our anger; and that is very healing. We let our own natural capacity of healing do the work.”

Start your day with a few minutes of quiet reflection. It could be as simple as focusing on your breath or repeating a positive mantra.

This mindful habit can bring you clarity, focus and a sense of peace that will carry you through your day. Give it a try and see the difference it makes in your life.

3) They embrace imperfections

Here’s something that may surprise you. Successful people are not perfectionists. In fact, they embrace their imperfections.

This is a fundamental principle in Buddhism called “wabi-sabi”, which teaches us to appreciate the beauty in imperfection and transience.

They know that mistakes are not a sign of weakness, but opportunities for growth. They understand that failure is an integral part of the journey towards success.

Each morning, they remind themselves of this wisdom. They don’t strive for perfection but aim for progress. They are honest with themselves about their strengths and weaknesses, and understand that every new day brings new opportunities to learn and grow.

Don’t beat yourself up over your flaws. Instead, acknowledge them, learn from them and see how they can lead you towards your own unique path to success.

4) They practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is not just a buzzword. It’s a powerful practice that successful people incorporate into their morning routines.

Mindfulness simply means being fully present in the moment. It’s about tuning into your senses, acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgment, and fully engaging with your current activity.

Successful people understand that mindfulness is not just about reducing stress or improving mental health. It’s a way of life that leads to increased focus, creativity, and productivity.

Each morning, they might take a few minutes to mindfully sip their coffee, do a mindfulness exercise or simply sit in silence, paying attention to their breath.

Before diving into your daily tasks, take a moment to be present. Notice the way the morning light filters through your window, the taste of your breakfast, or the sensation of fresh air on your skin. This simple act of mindfulness can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

5) They cultivate gratitude

One practice I’ve noticed among successful people is the act of expressing gratitude each morning. It’s a powerful way to start your day on a positive note.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into how gratitude is a cornerstone of Buddhist teachings. It helps us stay grounded and appreciate the abundance in our lives.

Successful people often start their day by jotting down a few things they’re grateful for. This simple habit can shift your mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance.

Tomorrow morning, before your day gets underway, take a moment to acknowledge the good things in your life. It could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee or a sunny morning. It’s a small step, but it can make a significant difference in your outlook and overall happiness.

6) They set intentions

Setting clear intentions is a daily habit of successful individuals. It’s not about creating a daunting to-do list, but about setting a positive and purposeful direction for the day.

In both Buddhism and mindfulness teachings, intention plays a pivotal role. It’s about being mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions, and how they align with your goals.

Successful people often dedicate a portion of their morning to setting their intentions. They ask themselves: “What do I want to achieve today?” “How can I make today meaningful?” “How can my actions today align with my long-term goals?”

These questions help them to focus on what truly matters and prevents them from getting caught up in trivial matters.

Start your day by setting clear, purposeful intentions. This conscious practice can guide your decisions, keep you focused on your goals, and ensure that every action you take is a step towards success.

7) They embrace silence

In a world constantly buzzing with noise and distractions, successful people understand the value of silence.

Silence, in many ways, is a lost art. But in Buddhist and mindfulness practices, it’s seen as a path to deeper understanding and inner peace.

As the renowned Buddhist teacher, Pema Chödrön once said, “Silence is a fence around wisdom”. Silence allows us to reflect, to connect with ourselves, and to tap into our inner wisdom.

Successful people often dedicate a part of their morning to enjoying silence. Whether it’s during meditation, a quiet walk, or simply sitting with a cup of tea – these moments of silence help them to tune into their thoughts and prepare for the day ahead.

Consider incorporating moments of silence into your morning routine. It could be a powerful tool to enhance your focus, productivity, and overall well-being.

8) They do nothing

Here’s a counterintuitive habit of successful people: sometimes, they do absolutely nothing.

In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed society, the idea of doing nothing seems almost sacrilegious. But in mindfulness practice, it’s a powerful way to recharge and reconnect with ourselves.

This concept, often referred to as ‘mindful idleness’, encourages us to simply be. Without distractions, without tasks, without the constant need to ‘do’.

Successful people understand the value of this practice. They might spend a few minutes each morning just sitting quietly, observing their thoughts, or simply enjoying the peace of the morning.

So, consider carving out a little time for ‘doing nothing’ in your morning routine. It’s not wasted time; it’s an investment in your mental clarity and overall well-being. Remember, sometimes doing less can help you achieve more.

So there you have it, eight morning habits that successful people practice regularly. They are not complicated or time-consuming, but they can make a significant difference in your productivity, mindset, and overall happiness.

Remember, success is not a destination but a journey, and it all starts with how you begin your day. So why not try incorporating some of these habits into your morning routine? You might be surprised at the impact they can have.

For more insights into the power of mindfulness and Buddhism in shaping success, consider checking out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s packed with practical tips and tools to help you live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Remember, every new day is an opportunity to make a positive change. So seize the day and make it count.